Importance

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Abstract

A method and apparatus for entering alphanumerical characters into a push button telephone system having automatic response functions. Each alphabetic letter and character is assigned a keypair having a dual tone multifrequency signal which is stored in the memory of the telephone system. The code provides for the conversion of analog voice frequency signals to digital signals. The digital signals may be converted to analog signals to provide voice prompts to the caller. The letters and characters are sequentially arrayed on a matrix overlaying the telephone keypad. Characters are positioned above and between the push buttons so that each character may be separately accessed from adjacent keys. Entry of a keypair requires the sequential pressing of at least one key two times. Sequential operations that require the pressing of two different and adjacent keys may be performed in any sequence. The method and apparatus permits the autodialing storage of words and the entry of sets of characters having digits and letters. Digits may be entered by pressing the selected number key followed by a pause. Alternatively, each character may be placed on a separate key on a separate keyboard so that a selected character is entered by pressing a single key to generate the signal identifying the selected character.

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First Claim